Five-star sophomore fine-tuning his game

Eric Bossi | Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst

Given that he's ranked No. 9 nationally in the class of 2015, Charles Matthews has grown accustomed to playing in the spotlight.

The 6-foot-4 combo guard from Chicago (Ill.) St. Rita's is good with the spotlight. But, he doesn't feel he's made it just yet and he knows that there's lots of hard work to be done if he wants to keep that lofty status and get recruited the way he would like to.

The sophomore might be rough around the edges, but his physical tools and glimpses of potential are tough to deny.

"I really like to use my length and get up in the defender and force the action, and I'm real comfortable along the baseline," Matthews told Rivals.com of his strengths. "I like to play aggressive defense and get out in transition."

Comfortable as a driver, an outstanding passer and a good defender, Matthews sees areas of his game where he could improve.

"My perimeter shooting," said Matthews. "If I can get my shot going down more consistently and get strength to start finishing with contact, I will be in good shape."

However, don't look for Matthews to be one of the kids who pulls an early trigger on his college decision.

"I'm not rushing it at all," he said. "I don't know a set date yet. I'm trying to get to know these schools and get that gut feeling before I do any of that."

For now, Matthews is focused on honing his game and proving that the hype around him is deserved. When the time comes to decide, he'll be honest with himself about what to actually expect in college.

"I hear kids say that they always want to get up and down but you are going to have to run sets in college," said Matthews. "I'm just trying to see what type of guard play they have because I like a style that really pressures the ball."